hasty trousseau, I assure you! And I pray she may wear hers
more happily than I did mine.

Be sure to let me know the moment I am wanted. Let Roger
know how glad I am--if he asks. What friends you two are! I
wonder if you know what you are losing? Probably not--men
don't foresee, I suppose.

Your friend always,

SUE PAYNTER.

[FROM MY ATTORNEYS]

SEARS, BRADLEY AND SEARS

Attorneys and Counsellors-at-Law

_Cable Address, Vellashta_

2--COURT STREET, BOSTON, MASS.

Sept. 12th, 188--

WINFRED JERROLDS, ESQ.,

University Club,

New York, N. Y.

DEAR SIR:

We are instructed by the heirs and next-of-kin of the late
Mr. Winthrop Bradley and by Mr. Sears Bradley, as his
administrator appointed by the Probate Court, to advise you
that the will of Mr. Winthrop Bradley, of the existence of
which we have so long felt confident, has finally been
discovered in an unexpected way and that you are the
principal legatee thereunder.

We are further instructed to advise you that its genuineness
is unquestioned. We are already taking steps to probate the
will here and in North Carolina.

You will see by the will, of which we enclose you copy, that
Mr. Winthrop Bradley bequeathed to you $100,000--in bonds of
the ---- Co., which bear 4-1/2 per cent. interest, and in
addition his lands in ---- and ---- Counties, North
Carolina, which aggregate about 12,000 acres, and of which a
part has been farmed on shares for a number of years past,
bringing in an annual income varying between $75 and $250
above the taxes on the whole tract.

We shall be pleased to receive any instructions you desire
to give us in the premises. We remain,

Yours very respectfully,

SEARS, BRADLEY AND SEARS.

[ROGER'S TELEGRAM TO ME]

News of will forwarded in packet from office. More glad than
can say, deserve it all. Cold wave here and shall take noon
express Thursday. Sail Saturday.

R. B.

CHAPTER XIV

THE ISLAND COTTAGE